26 BIG Ideas

The city's leaders in health, science, politics, food, and culture share their game-changing ideas for San Diego in 2016.

By Erin Meanley Glenny with additional reporting by Archana Ram

Published: 2015.12.23 10:08 AM

(page 7 of 26)

Let’s make rugby the new NFL.

Tracy Lamb, Director, Chula Vista Olympic Training Center

Why should the Chargers get all the attention? “Let’s get more people interested in archery, BMX, and rugby,” says Lamb, who notes that right in our own backyard, Olympic hopefuls are training for the Rio 2016 games. Rugby, especially, is having a moment. “It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Both the men’s and women’s sevens national teams are based in Chula Vista and will make their Olympic debut this year.” While most rugby games are played internationally, you can check out local rugby clubs like the Old Aztecs, Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, and San Diego Surfers Women’s Rugby. That is, until the sport grows more visible. USA Rugby and World Rugby just announced that a pro rugby league similar to MLS and the NHL will launch in 2016. Beyond rugby, you can watch important meets at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center this year: The second round of the U.S. Archery Team Olympic trials will be held April 17–22; the U.S. BMX Team Olympic trials are scheduled for June 11–12.